Bank staff to go on strike from January 8

TNN | Updated: Jan 5, 2019, 6:18 IST

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COLVA/PANAJI: Goa bank employees’ association (GBEA) has called a two-day general strike on January 8-9 in response to a call by the National Trade Union Convention. All major trade unions have decided to go on strike to oppose the “nakedly pro-capitalist and pro-corporate economic policies” of the Narendra Modi government. “In the name of development, the government is pursuing polices that will further make the rich richer at the cost of the common masses,” said general secretary of GBEA A M Pereira. Trade union leaders are upset as hard-won trade union rights of workers are being diluted and weakened in the name of labour reforms.

GBEA members said banking, insurance and entire financial sector has become a special target for reforms with the Centre adopting privatization and foreign investment in the sector. “The government is continuously attempting to push through their reforms agenda aimed at privatisation of banks, consolidation and merger of banks. Licenses have been given to big corporate houses to start small banks and payment banks. Efficient and well-performing banks are sought to be closed and merged,” Pereira said.